Enhanced digital ink erasing

ABSTRACT

Techniques are presented for enhanced erasing of digital ink. The ink erasing feature of a content creation application can preserve the complex shapes that can result from partial erasure of ink strokes. The ink erasing feature can receive ink stroke data from an ink stroke and display the ink stroke. The ink erasing feature can then receive and display an eraser stroke that contacts the ink stroke. Once the eraser stroke is received, the ink erasing feature can determine whether any eraser segment of the eraser stroke contacts the ink stroke. If an eraser segment does not contact the ink stroke, the ink erasing feature discards the eraser segment. If an eraser segment does contact the ink stroke, the ink erasing feature can update the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap and location of contact between the eraser stroke and the ink stroke.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of patent applicationSer. No. 15/721,734, filed Sep. 29, 2017.

BACKGROUND

On an erasable physical surface such as a whiteboard, ink strokes,especially thick ones, can be partially erased in ways that yieldcomplex remaining shapes. Since users expect ink on a digital whiteboardto be editable (e.g. selected, moved, deleted), visible ink strokesshould behave as distinct objects, even when they are the product oflonger strokes being split when they were partially erased. However, itcan be challenging to recreate a realistic and immersive experience forthe user.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Techniques are presented for enhanced erasing of digital ink. The inkerasing feature of the content creation application can preserve thecomplex shapes that can result from partial erasure of ink strokes.

The ink erasing feature can receive ink stroke data from an ink strokeand the ink stroke can be displayed. The ink stroke data can include aset of ink points. Two adjacent ink points can be considered connectedby a corresponding ink segment. After the ink stroke is displayed, theink erasing feature can receive and display an eraser stroke thatcontacts the ink stroke. The eraser stroke can include eraser strokedata, including a set of eraser points. Two adjacent eraser points canbe considered connected by an eraser segment.

The eraser stroke can contact the ink stroke in a variety of ways. Inone case, the eraser stroke can intersect the ink stroke at one of theink points or in between two of the ink points. In another case, theeraser stroke can overlap the ink stroke without dividing the inkstroke. In another case, the eraser stroke may intersect the ink strokelengthwise. In yet another case, if the eraser stroke is substantiallysmaller than the ink stroke, the eraser stroke may cut a hole in themiddle of the ink stroke. Each eraser stroke may contact the ink strokein more than one location. Additionally, each eraser stroke may contactmore than one ink stroke.

Once an eraser stroke that contacts the ink stroke is received, the inkerasing feature can determine whether each eraser segment of the eraserstroke contacts the ink stroke. If the eraser segment does not contactthe ink stroke, the ink erasing feature can then discard the erasersegment. Further, if the eraser segment does contact the ink stroke, theink erasing feature can update the ink stroke data based on amount ofoverlap and location of contact between the eraser stroke and the inkstroke.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example operating environment in which variousembodiments of the invention may be carried out.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example ink stroke.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example ink stroke and intersecting eraser stroke.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process flow diagram for a method forenhanced digital ink erasing.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser strokeintersecting an ink stroke at an ink point.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate example scenarios of an eraser stroke having aportion intersecting an ink stroke at an ink point as well as anotherportion overlapping the ink stroke at another part of the ink stroke.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser strokeintersecting an ink stroke between two ink points.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser strokeintersecting an ink stroke lengthwise.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser stroke overlappingan ink stroke.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser strokeoverlapping an ink stroke at the same location of a previous eraserstroke overlap.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser stroke creatinga ring-shaped cut out of an ink stroke.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser stroke fullycovering one or more ink segments of an ink stroke.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser stroke splittingan ink stroke into a plurality of sub ink strokes.

FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate example scenarios of enhanced digital inkerasing carried out at a content curation application.

FIG. 15 illustrates components of a computing system or device that maybe used in certain embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An ink erasing feature is presented for enhanced erasing of digital inkfor content creation applications. The ink erasing feature of thecontent creation application can preserve the complex shapes that canresult from partial erasure of ink strokes.

The ink erasing feature may provide a user a more intuitive visualrepresentation of erasure. The ink erasing feature also handlesscenarios that would be impossible using existing approaches that merelydiscard ink points based on intersection with an “eraser” object. Thesescenarios can include cutting lengthwise across an ink stroke, as wellas cutting holes out of the interior of an ink stroke's geometry.

Existing approaches do not attempt to preserve the complex shapes thatcan result from partial erasure of ink strokes. Instead, some subset ofthe center-line segments are discarded, perhaps splitting the ink strokeinto two or more strokes, and those strokes are rendered as if they hadbeen drawn that way initially. For example, if a round nib is used torender a stroke that has been split in two by an eraser, each new strokewill have rounded ends, even if the eraser passed through the originalstroke at a shallow angle, which would have left “sharp” corners on theremaining strokes on a physical whiteboard.

The described ink erasing feature is suitable for content creation andconsumption applications that support a variety of different types ofcontent, such as, but not limited to, digital ink, text, graphics, andimages. The user interactions with the content creation and consumptionapplication may be performed via a stylus, pen, user finger, or mouse,or other user interface device.

Digital ink refers to the mode of user input where a stylus or pen (oreven user finger of a touchscreen or pad) is used to capture handwritingin its natural form. Digital ink strokes are markings that arerepresented by a set of properties and point data that a digitizercaptures.

Content creation and consumption applications are software applicationsin which users can contribute, consume, and/or modify content. Thecontent can be visual content where users can create text and/orimage-based content in digital form. The content creation andconsumption application may include a reader application and/or aneditor application. The term “content creation and consumptionapplication” may in some cases be synonymous with “content authoringapplication”, “productivity application”, or “content authoring tool”,and such terms may be used interchangeably herein.

The ink erasing feature can receive ink stroke data from an ink strokeand the ink stroke can be displayed. The ink stroke data can include aset of ink points. Two adjacent ink points can be considered connectedby a corresponding ink segment. After the ink stroke is displayed, theink erasing feature can receive and display an eraser stroke thatcontacts the ink stroke. The eraser stroke can include eraser strokedata, including a set of eraser points. Two adjacent eraser points canbe considered connected by a corresponding eraser segment.

The eraser stroke can contact the ink stroke in a variety of ways. Inone case, the eraser stroke can intersect the ink stroke at one of theink points or in between two of the ink points. In another case, theeraser stroke can overlap the ink stroke without intersecting the inkstroke. In another case, the eraser stroke may intersect the ink strokelengthwise. In yet another case, if the eraser stroke is substantiallysmaller than the ink stroke, the eraser stroke may cut a hole in themiddle of the ink stroke. Each eraser stroke may contact the ink strokein more than one location. Additionally, each eraser stroke may contactmore than one ink stroke.

Once an eraser stroke that contacts the ink stroke is received, the inkerasing feature can determine whether each eraser segment of the eraserstroke contacts the ink stroke. If the eraser segment does not contactthe ink stroke, the ink erasing feature can then discard the erasersegment. Further, if the eraser segment does contact the ink stroke, theink erasing feature can update the ink stroke data based on amount ofoverlap and location of contact between the eraser stroke and the inkstroke.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example operating environment in which variousembodiments of the invention may be carried out. Referring to FIG. 1, auser may interact with a user computing device running application 100,such as a content application, through a UI 102 displayed on a displayassociated with the computing device. The computing device may beembodied as system 1500 such as described with respect to FIG. 15. Theink erasing feature can be a standalone application or an ink erasingfeature of the content application to provide the functionality withinthe content application.

A computing device is configured to receive input from a user through,for example, a keyboard, mouse, trackpad, touch pad, touch screen,microphone, or other input device. The display of the user computingdevice is configured to display one or more user interfaces (includingUI 102) to the user. In some embodiments, the display can include atouchscreen such that the user computing device may receive user inputthrough the display.

The computing device may be a general-purpose device that has theability to run one or more applications. The computing device may be,but is not limited to, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a tablet computer, a reader, a mobile device, a personaldigital assistant, a smart phone, a gaming device or console, a wearablecomputer, a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display,computer watch, or a smart television.

The user interface (“UI”) 102 can refer to the graphical user interfacethrough which content appears to be created, conceptually being asubstrate for a work of authorship. The UI 102 enables a user tointeract with various applications, such as the content application,running on or displayed through the user computing device. Generally, UI102 is configured such that a user may easily interact withfunctionality of an application. For example, a user may simply select(via, for example, touch, clicking, gesture or voice) an option withinUI 102 to perform an operation such as selecting content being authoredor edited in an application 100.

The user can execute numerous commands through the UI 102 in order toperform specific tasks related to features available in the application100. In some cases, the user may have multiple devices running a similarprogram and the user can edit a same or different document (or othercontent) across multiple user computing devices.

In the example of FIG. 1, the user may draw ink strokes, such as inkstroke 104 and 106 on the UI 102. For example, the user may have drawn afirst ink stroke (ink stroke 104) on the UI 102. The first ink stroke104 is stored in a buffer 115 at frame 0 120. Then, later the user mayhave drawn second ink stroke (ink stroke 106) on the UI 102. The secondink stroke 106 is stored in the buffer 115 at frame 1 125 over the firstink stroke 104. In drawing an ink stroke, the ink stroke can have threestages, wet, damp, and dry.

Wet ink refers to ink strokes that are currently being drawn. Damp inkrefers to ink strokes that have recently been drawn, but not yet beenprocessed. A damp ink stoke stroke is no longer being added to. Dry inkrefers to ink strokes that have been processed.

An ink stroke that is currently being drawn (“wet ink”) can be renderedto its own surface, so that the changing geometry of the ink stroke canbe re-composited with the background (including other ink strokes) everyframe. In some cases, the last portion of the ink stroke can be drawninto the separate surface, as long as it can be seamlessly blended withthe earlier portion of the stroke.

In some cases, the user may erase one or more portions of the inkstroke. Erasing can use an eraser stroke that can remove portions of anyink strokes they intersect. This is accomplished by rendering eraserstrokes using a special blending function that produces transparencywhere the erase stroke is at full opacity.

Eraser strokes should only erase ink strokes that were drawn beforethem, so eraser strokes and ink strokes are drawn in back to frontorder, starting with the dry strokes which may be cached in a separatetexture to avoid redrawing every time wet ink changes. This ink texturecan then be composited on an unerasable background such as an image orpaper texture.

In some cases, erasable and unerasable content may be mixed. In thiscase, wet ink can be drawn as normal, but the content behind the wet inkis drawn twice to scratch textures, once including all content, and onceincluding only the unerasable content. These two textures can then becomposited together using a third texture containing all damp or weterase strokes as a mask that interpolates between the two contenttextures.

As mentioned above, a damp ink stroke refers to an ink stroke that hasbeen completed but not yet dried.

In the dry ink representation (“internal representation”), ink strokesare decorated with copies of intersecting eraser segments of all theeraser strokes that intersected them. These copies are referred to as“ink divots”. Thus, while a given segment of an eraser stroke thatintersected several ink strokes may be copied to each of those inkstrokes, many eraser stroke segments may never be copied. The originaleraser strokes can be discarded when the drying process is complete.With this internal representation, each dry ink stroke can be renderedindependently.

In some cases, there may be long ink segments or thin eraser strokes. Inthis case, when an ink stroke is split, the result may include two ormore portions of a single ink segment remaining visible, even after theink divots are removed. Only one of the two or more portions is actuallya part of a given ink stroke. The desired portion can be identified withan accompanying (x, y) coordinate (e.g., coordinate point). When it istime to render the ink stroke, a geometry mask can be generated thatexcludes all portions of the ink segment except the portion of the inksegment containing the coordinate. Similarly, at hit-testing time, thegenerated ink stroke geometry includes only the ink segment portioncontaining the coordinate point. Ink splitting will be later discussedin more detail.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example ink stroke; and FIG. 3 illustrates anexample ink stroke and intersecting eraser stroke. Referring to FIG. 2,an ink stroke refers to a set of properties and point data that adigitizer captures that represent the coordinates and properties of a“marking”. It can be the set of ink stroke data that is captured in asingle pen down, up, or move sequence. The set of data can includeparameters such as, but not limited to, a beginning of the stroke, anend of the stroke, the pressure of the stroke, the tilt (e.g., of a pen)for the stroke, the direction of the stroke, the time and timing of thestroke between discrete coordinates along the path of the stroke, andthe color of the ‘ink’. The eraser stroke may have a transparent color.

A digitizer generally provides a set of coordinates on a grid that canbe used to convert an analog motion into discrete coordinate values. Adigitizer may be laid under or over a screen or surface that can capturethe movement of a finger, pen, or stylus (e.g., the handwriting or brushstrokes of a user). Depending on the features of the digitizer,information such as pressure, speed of motion between points, anddirection of motion can be collected.

An ink stroke can include a set of binary ink points (“ink points”)(e.g., ink point 202A, ink point 202B, and ink point 202C), as well as amathematical center-line 206 comprising set of ink segments (e.g., inksegment 204A and ink segment 204B) that connect the ink points. The inkpoints can be represented as a nib shape. Nib shape refers to the shapeof the pen that a user is drawing with.

Referring to FIG. 3, using a UI of a content application, a user mayfirst draw an ink stroke 305 and then draw an eraser stroke 310 throughthe ink stroke. The eraser stroke 310 intersects the ink stroke 305through ink segment 320B, appearing to split the ink stroke 305 into twoseparate ink strokes. The ink stroke 305 includes a plurality of inkpoints with adjacent ink points connected by corresponding ink segments.In FIG. 3, four ink points 315 (e.g., ink point 315A, ink point 315B,ink point 315C, and ink point 315D) and three ink segments 320 (e.g.,ink segment 320A, ink segment 320B, and ink segment 320C) connecting theink points are shown. The eraser stroke 310 includes a plurality oferaser points with adjacent eraser points connected by correspondingeraser segments. In FIG. 3, four eraser points 325 (e.g., eraser point325A, eraser point 325B, eraser point 325C, and eraser point 325D) andthree eraser segments 327 (eraser segment 327A, eraser segment 327B, anderaser segment 327C) connecting the eraser points 325 are shown.

The ink erasing feature can determine whether any eraser segment of theeraser stroke 310 contacts the ink stroke 305. Indeed, the ink erasingfeature can determine whether the geometry of an eraser segment of theeraser stroke contacts the geometry of an ink stroke segment. In theexample of FIG. 3, the eraser stroke 310 contacts the ink stroke 305 inonly one eraser segment (e.g., eraser segment 327B). Therefore, duringthe drying and ink splitting process, only eraser segment 327B is usedto create an ink divot and the remaining eraser segments (e.g., erasersegment 327A and eraser segment 327C) are discarded.

When damp ink is converted to dry ink, a single ink stroke can sometimesbe replaced with multiple non-contiguous ink strokes. In some cases, inksegments can be duplicated in two or more sub ink strokes. These are thecases that will require the stored (x, y) coordinate (e.g., thecoordinate point) for each duplicated ink segment to identify whichportion of the ink segment belongs to its parent stroke.

When an ink stroke is split into multiple non-contiguous ink strokes,multiple sub ink strokes may be stored. Each sub ink stroke may be anN-ink-point sub section of the ink stroke. For example, in FIG. 3, afirst sub ink stroke may be stored that includes ink point 315A, inkpoint 315B, and ink point 315C and ink segment 320A and ink segment320B; and a second sub ink stroke may be stored that includes ink point315B, ink point 315C, and ink point 315D and ink segment 320B and inksegment 320C. The amount of ink points and ink segments stored in eachsub ink stroke depends on the length of the ink stroke and the locationof the eraser stroke intersection(s).

The drying and splitting process begins by taking a batch of potentiallyintermixed ink and erase strokes. This batch should extend all the wayto the bottom of the damp strokes (so they draw in back-to-front order)and include dry strokes and damp strokes, but not wet strokes. Ifstrokes are finished in an order different from how they are started,drying may be delayed until the lower wet strokes become damp. When anerase stroke is dried it is applied to all damp strokes below it (e.g.,all the dry strokes the eraser stroke might intersect) as well as anydry strokes.

When splitting an ink stroke, the geometry of the erase stroke can be“cut out” of that stroke's own geometry. Each resulting, discrete(non-intersecting) geometrical “fragment” is then treated as a separateink stroke, storing necessary metadata to ensure that no visiblerendering artifacts occur after the splitting operation has beencompleted. This data includes the set of ink erase divots thatcontributed to its split, the set of ink points still required for theink stroke's rendering (a subset of the parent stroke's ink points). Anadditional piece of data may be required when an eraser stroke splits anink stroke in such a way that after removing unneeded ink segments andareas covered by the ink divots there are still some remainingdisconnected areas (which are not part of the given sub ink stroke). Todifferentiate the desired area from any others, the single (x, y)coordinate (e.g., the coordinate point) within the correct area'sgeometry is recorded.

To the user, the ink stroke looks geometrically identical before andafter the drying and splitting operations have occurred, but eachresulting sub ink stroke can be moved, scaled, etc. independently fromthe others.

In addition to giving a much more intuitive visual representation oferasure, the geometrical splitting approach allows the ability to handlescenarios that would be impossible using existing approaches that merelydiscard ink points based on intersection with an “eraser” object (e.g.cutting lengthwise across a stroke, or cutting holes out of the interiorof a stroke's geometry).

In some cases, bounding boxes (e.g., bounding box 340A, bounding box340B, and bounding box 340C) can be used to optimize digital inkerasing. Each of the ink stroke segments 320 may be surrounded by abounding box. For example, bounding box 340A surrounds ink segment 320A,bounding box 340B surrounds ink segment 320B, and bounding box 340Csurrounds ink segment 320C. The bounding boxes may also be used foroptimizing the hit-testing process. The hit-testing process candetermine what portion of an ink stroke a user has selected.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process flow diagram for a method forenhanced digital ink erasing. Referring to FIG. 4, ink stroke data froman ink stroke can be received (405) and the ink stroke can be displayed(410). As previously described, the ink stroke data can include a set ofink points. Two adjacent ink points can be considered connected by acorresponding ink segment.

After the ink stroke is displayed (410) an eraser stroke that contactsthe ink stroke can be received (415) and displayed (420). The eraserstroke can include eraser stroke data, including a set of eraser points.Two adjacent eraser points can be considered connected by an erasersegment. The eraser stroke can contact the ink stroke in a variety ofways. In one case, the eraser stroke can intersect the ink stroke at oneof the ink points or in between two of the ink points. In another case,the eraser stroke can overlap the ink stroke without splitting the inkstroke. In another case, the eraser stroke may intersect the ink strokelengthwise. In yet another case, if the eraser stroke is substantiallysmaller than the ink stroke, the eraser stroke may cut a hole in themiddle of the ink stroke. Each eraser stroke may contact the ink strokein more than one location. Additionally, each eraser stroke may contactmore than one ink stroke.

Once an eraser stroke that contacts the ink stroke is received (415),the ink erasing feature can determine whether each eraser segment of theeraser stroke contacts the ink stroke (425). If the eraser segment doesnot contact the ink stroke, the ink erasing feature can then discard theeraser segment (430). Further, if the eraser segment does contact theink stroke, the ink erasing feature can update the ink stroke data basedon amount of overlap and location of contact between the eraser strokeand the ink stroke (435). The process for updating the ink stroke datawill be discussed in more detail in the discussion of FIGS. 5A-11.

The ink stroke can be considered a damp ink stroke until a drying andoptional splitting process is completed. Once converted to dry ink, eachremaining portion of the ink stroke that was split by the eraser strokecan be manipulated as a separate object and rendered independently. Theoriginal eraser stroke may be discarded when the drying processes iscompleted.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser strokeintersecting an ink stroke at an ink point. In this example, using a UIof a content application, a user may first draw an ink stroke (e.g., inkstroke 505) and then draw an eraser stroke (e.g., eraser stroke 510)through the ink stroke. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the ink stroke 505includes a plurality of ink points with adjacent ink points connected bycorresponding ink segments. Referring to FIG. 5A, three ink points 515(e.g., ink point 515A, ink point 515B, and ink point 515C) and two inksegments 520 (ink segment 520A and ink segment 520B) are shown. The inkstroke may be a longer or shorter ink stroke and include more or fewerink points and ink segments.

In the example scenario, the ink stroke 505 is intersected by the eraserstroke 510 at ink point 515B, as shown in FIG. 5A. The eraser stroke 510includes a plurality of eraser points with adjacent eraser pointsconnected by corresponding eraser segments. In FIG. 5A, two eraserpoints 525 (e.g., eraser point 525A and eraser point 525B) and oneeraser segment 527 connecting the two eraser points 525 are shown. Theeraser stroke may be a longer or a shorter eraser stroke.

Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, a visual representation of the inkstroke 505 and the eraser stroke 510 shown in FIG. 5A is provided inFIG. 5B. The visual representation is the representation the user maysee on the UI of the content application. In the visual representation,the ink stroke 505 may appear to be cut into two separate ink strokesections (e.g., section 530A and section 530B) by the eraser stroke 510.

Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C, an internal representation of the inkstroke 505 and the eraser stroke 510 shown in FIG. 5A is provided inFIG. 5C. The internal representation may be the result of the drying andoptional splitting process. The internal representation may be createdby updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap and locationof contact between the ink stroke 505 and the eraser stroke 510, asdescribed in step 435 of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5A, the eraser stroke510 intersects the ink stroke 505, splitting the ink stroke 505 into twoseparate ink strokes.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 5C, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 505 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 505, two sub ink strokes (e.g., a first sub inkstroke 535 and a second sub ink stroke 540) are created and eachdecorated with an ink divot. The first sub ink stroke 535 represents theink stroke 505 from one side of the intersection and the second sub inkstroke 540 represents the ink stroke 505 from the other side of theintersection. In this case, the first sub ink stroke 535 represents theink segment 520A of the ink stroke 505 and the second sub ink stroke 540represents the ink segment 520B of the ink stroke 505. The drawing hasbeen simplified to show an ink stroke with two ink segments. It shouldbe understood that the ink stroke may be made of many ink points andcorresponding ink segments, and that the ink points and ink segments ofthe portion of the ink stroke at the side of the erasing intersectionwould be stored as part of the sub ink stroke.

The first sub ink stroke 535 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 505 from one side of the intersection. Thecopy of the ink stroke data includes a copy of the required ink points(e.g., ink point 515A and ink point 515B) of the ink stroke 505. An inkdivot 550 is generated as a copy of the eraser segment 527 of the eraserstroke 510 that intersects the ink stroke 505.

The second sub ink stroke 540 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 505 from the other side of theintersection. The copy of the ink stroke data includes a copy of therequired ink points (e.g., ink point 515B and ink point 515C) of the inkstroke 505. An ink divot 555 is generated as a copy of the erasersegment 527 of the eraser stroke 510 that intersects the ink stroke 505.

The first sub ink stroke 535 and the second sub ink stroke 540 can berendered independently.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate example scenarios of an eraser stroke having aportion intersecting an ink stroke at an ink point as well as anotherportion overlapping the ink stroke at another part of the ink stroke. Inthis example, using a UI of a content application, a user may first drawan ink stroke (e.g., ink stroke 605) and then draw an eraser stroke(e.g., eraser stroke 610). As can be seen in FIG. 6A, one eraser segment(e.g., eraser segment 627A) of the eraser stroke 610 intersects the inkstroke 605, while another eraser segment (e.g., eraser segment 627B) ofthe eraser stroke 610 overlaps a portion of the ink stroke 605 atanother part of the ink stroke 605 (e.g., at a second location). The inkstroke 605 includes a plurality of ink points with adjacent ink pointsconnected by corresponding ink segments. Three ink points 615 (e.g., inkpoint 615A, ink point 615B, and ink point 615C) and two ink segments 620(e.g., ink segment 620A and ink segment 620B) are shown. The ink strokemay be a longer or shorter ink stroke and include more or fewer inkpoints and ink segments.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the ink stroke 605 is intersected by an eraserstroke 610 at ink point 615B. The eraser stroke 610 further overlaps theink stroke 605 at a location in the ink segment 620B. The eraser stroke610 includes a plurality of eraser points with adjacent eraser pointsconnected by corresponding eraser segments. In FIG. 6A, three eraserpoints 625 (e.g., eraser point 625A, eraser point 625B, and eraser point625C) and two eraser segments 627 (e.g., eraser segment 627A and erasersegment 627B) connecting the three eraser points 625 are shown. Theeraser stroke may be a longer or a shorter eraser stroke and includemore or fewer eraser points and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, a visual representation of the inkstroke 605 and the eraser stroke 610 shown in FIG. 6A is provided inFIG. 6B. The visual representation is the representation the user maysee on the UI of the content application. In the visual representation,the ink stroke 605 may appear to be cut into two separate ink strokesections (e.g., section 630A and section 630B) by the eraser stroke 610.Further, section 630B appears to have a portion removed at the locationwhere the eraser stroke 610 overlapped the ink stroke 605.

Referring to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6C, an internal representation of the inkstroke 605 and the eraser stroke 610 shown in FIG. 6A is provided inFIG. 6C. The internal representation may be the result of the drying andoptional splitting process. The internal representation may be createdby updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap and locationof contact between the ink stroke 605 and the eraser stroke 610, asdescribed in step 435 of FIG. 4. In this example, since, as can be seenin FIG. 6A, the eraser stroke 610 intersects the ink stroke 605,splitting the ink stroke 605 into two separate ink strokes, as well asoverlaps a part of the separated ink stroke 605 without intersecting,two sub-ink strokes are created to represent the erased ink stroke forthe internal representation.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 6C, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 605 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 605, two sub ink strokes (e.g., a first sub inkstroke 635 and a second sub ink stroke 640) are created and each aredecorated with an ink divot. The first sub ink stroke 635 represents theink stroke 605 from one side of the intersection and the second sub inkstroke 640 represents the ink stroke 605 from the other side of theintersection. In this case, the first sub ink stroke 635 represents theink segment 620A of the ink stroke 605 and the second sub ink stroke 640represents the ink segment 620B of the ink stroke 605. The drawing hasbeen simplified to show an ink stroke with two ink segments. It shouldbe understood that the ink stroke may be made of many ink points andcorresponding ink segments, and that the ink points and ink segments ofthe portion of the ink stroke at the side of the erasing intersectionwould be stored as part of the sub ink stroke.

The first sub ink stroke 635 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 605 from one side of the intersection. Thecopy of the ink stroke data includes the required ink points (e.g., inkpoint 615A and ink point 615B) of the ink stroke 605. An ink divot 650is generated as a copy of the eraser segment 627A of the eraser stroke610 that intersects the ink stroke 605.

The second sub ink stroke 640 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 605 from the other side of theintersection. The copy of the ink stroke data includes a copy of therequired ink points (e.g., ink point 615B and ink point 615C) of the inkstroke 605. Since the required eraser segments (e.g., eraser segment627A and eraser segment 627B) are adjacent to one another, only one inkdivot (e.g., ink divot 655) is created. The ink divot 655 is generatedas a copy of the eraser segment 627A and eraser segment 627B of theeraser stroke 610. The first sub ink stroke 635 and the second sub inkstroke 640 can be rendered independently.

FIG. 6D illustrates a case where the eraser stroke is a longer stroke ascompared to that shown in FIG. 6A such that more of an eraser strokeexists before a portion of the eraser stroke overlaps the ink stroke 605after intersecting the ink stroke at a different location. Referring toFIG. 6D, the ink stroke 605 is intersected by the longer eraser stroke660 at ink point 615B. The eraser stroke 660 further overlaps the inkstroke 605 at a location in the ink segment 620B. The eraser stroke 660includes a plurality of eraser points with adjacent eraser pointsconnected by corresponding eraser segments. In FIG. 6D, five eraserpoints 665 (e.g., eraser point 665A, eraser point 665B, eraser point665C, eraser point 665D, and eraser point 665E) and four eraser segments670 (e.g., eraser segment 670A, eraser segment 670B, eraser segment670C, and eraser segment 670D) connecting the three eraser points 665are shown. The eraser stroke may be a longer or a shorter eraser strokeand include more or fewer eraser points and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 6D and FIG. 6E, a visual representation of the inkstroke 605 and the eraser stroke 660 shown in FIG. 6D is provided inFIG. 6E. The visual representation is the representation the user maysee on the UI of the content application. In the visual representation,the ink stroke 605 may appear to be cut into two separate ink strokesections (e.g., section 672A and section 672B) by the eraser stroke 660.Further, section 672B appears to have a portion removed at the locationwhere the eraser stroke 660 overlapped the ink stroke 605. This visualrepresentation looks similar to that of the case shown in FIG. 6B exceptthe internal representation of the erased stroke is different, as isshown in FIG. 6F.

Referring to FIG. 6D and FIG. 6F, an internal representation of the inkstroke 605 and the eraser stroke 660 shown in FIG. 6D is provided inFIG. 6F. The internal representation may be the result of the drying andoptional splitting process. The internal representation may be createdby updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap and locationof contact between the ink stroke 605 and the eraser stroke 660, asdescribed in step 435 of FIG. 4. In this example, since, as can be seenin FIG. 6D, the eraser stroke 660 intersects the ink stroke 605,splitting the ink stroke 605 into two separate ink strokes, as well asoverlaps a part of the separated ink stroke 605 without intersecting,two sub-ink strokes are created to represent the erased ink stroke forthe internal representation.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 6F, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 605 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 605, two sub ink strokes (e.g., a first sub inkstroke 675 and a second sub ink stroke 680) are created and each aredecorated with one or more ink divots. The first sub ink stroke 675represents the ink stroke 605 from one side of the intersection and thesecond sub ink stroke 680 represents the ink stroke 605 from the otherside of the intersection. In this case, the first sub ink stroke 675represents the ink segment 620A of the ink stroke 605 and the second subink stroke 680 represents the ink segment 620B of the ink stroke 605.The drawing has been simplified to show an ink stroke with two inksegments. It should be understood that the ink stroke may be made ofmany ink points and corresponding ink segments, and that the ink pointsand ink segments of the portion of the ink stroke at the side of theerasing intersection would be stored as part of the sub ink stroke.

The first sub ink stroke 675 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 605 from one side of the intersection. Thecopy of the ink stroke data includes the required ink points (e.g., inkpoint 615A and ink point 615B) of the ink stroke 605. An ink divot 685in generated as a copy of the eraser segment 670A of the eraser stroke660 that intersects the ink stroke 605.

The second sub ink stroke 680 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 605 from the other side of theintersection. The copy of the ink stroke data includes a copy of therequired ink points (e.g., ink point 615B and ink point 615C) of the inkstroke 605. Since the required eraser segments (e.g., eraser segment670A and eraser segment 670D) are not adjacent to one another, two inkdivots (e.g., ink divot 690 and ink divot 695) are created instead of asingle ink divot. The first ink divot (e.g., ink divot 690) is generatedas a copy of the eraser segment 670A of the eraser stroke 660. Thesecond ink divot (e.g., ink divot 695) is generated as a copy of theeraser segment 670D of the eraser stroke 660. The first sub ink stroke675 and the second sub ink stroke 680 can be rendered independently.

In this case (where the eraser stroke intersects the ink stroke at afirst ink point, appearing to split the ink stroke into two separate inkstrokes, and the eraser stroke overlaps the ink stroke at a secondlocation without intersecting the ink stroke, where the eraser strokecontacts the ink stroke with two eraser segments that are not adjacentto each other), for a method of enhanced erasing of digital ink,updating ink stroke data based on an amount of overlap and location ofcontact between the eraser stroke (considered to have eraser stroke dataincluding a set of eraser points, where two adjacent eraser points areconnected by an eraser segment) and the ink stroke (considered to haveink stroke data including a set of ink points, where two adjacent inkpoints are connected by a corresponding ink segment), can includecreating a first sub ink stroke by making a copy of the ink stroke datafrom one side of the intersection and including a first copy of thefirst ink point, and generating a first ink divot comprising a copy ofthe eraser segment that intersects the ink stroke at the first inkpoint; and creating a second sub ink stroke by making a copy of the inkstroke data from the other side of the intersection and including asecond copy of the first ink point, the other side of the intersectionhaving the second location, generating a second ink divot comprising acopy of the eraser segment that intersects the ink stroke at the firstink point and a copy of the eraser segment that overlaps the ink strokeat the second location.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser strokeintersecting an ink stroke between two ink points. In this example,using a UI of a content application, a user may first draw an ink stroke705 and then draw an eraser stroke 710 that goes through the ink stroke705, as can be seen in FIG. 7A. The ink stroke 705 includes a pluralityof ink points with adjacent ink points connected by corresponding inksegments. Referring to FIG. 7A, two ink points 715 (e.g., ink point 715Aand ink point 715B) and one ink segment 720 are shown. The ink strokemay be a longer or shorter ink stroke and include more or fewer inkpoints and ink segments.

In the example scenario, the ink stroke 705 is intersected by the eraserstroke 710 at a location 722 between the two ink points 715. The eraserstroke 710 includes a plurality of eraser points with adjacent eraserpoints connected by corresponding eraser segments. In FIG. 7A, twoeraser points 725 (e.g., eraser point 725A and eraser point 725B) andone eraser segment 727 connecting the two eraser points 725 are shown.The eraser stroke may be a longer or a shorter eraser stroke and includemore or fewer eraser points and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a visual representation of the inkstroke 705 and the eraser stroke 710 shown in FIG. 7A is provided inFIG. 7B. The visual representation is the representation the user maysee on the UI of the content application. In the visual representation,the ink stroke 705 may appear to be cut into two separate ink strokesections 730 (e.g., section 730A and section 730B) by the eraser stroke710. The two separate ink stroke sections 730 are each a portion of thesingle ink segment 720 that remain after the eraser stroke 710intersects the ink stroke 705.

Referring to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C, an internal representation of the inkstroke 705 and the eraser stroke 710 shown in FIG. 7A is provided inFIG. 7C. The internal representation may be the result of the drying andoptional splitting process. The internal representation may be createdby updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap and locationof contact between the ink stroke 705 and the eraser stroke 710, asdescribed in step 435 of FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 7A, the eraserstroke 710 intersects the ink stroke 705, splitting the ink segment 720of the ink stroke 705 into two separate ink strokes. Since the eraserstroke 710 intersects the ink stroke 705 between two ink points, theinternal representation may require that each sub ink stroke includeboth the ink points.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 7C, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 705 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 705, two sub ink strokes (e.g., a first sub inkstroke 735 and a second sub ink stroke 740) are created and each aredecorated with an ink divot. The first sub ink stroke 735 can be createdby making a copy of the ink stroke data from the ink stroke 705. An inkdivot 750 can be generated as a copy of the eraser segment 727 of theeraser stroke 710 that intersects the ink stroke 705 at location 722.

In this scenario, an additional piece of data is required when creatingthe two sub ink strokes. The additional piece of data is needed when anerase stroke splits an ink stroke in such a way that after removingunneeded ink stroke segments and areas covered by ink divots there arestill some remaining disconnected areas (which are not part of the givensub ink stroke). To differentiate the desired area from any others, theaforementioned single (x, y) coordinate within the correct area'sgeometry is recorded.

For the first sub ink stroke 735, a coordinate point 760 can be assignedto a location on one side of the intersected location 722. As previouslydiscussed, the coordinate point 760 can be a single (x,y) coordinateassigned to any location within the desired section's geometry todifferentiate the desired area from any others. In this case, thecoordinate point 760 is assigned to the left side of the ink stroke 705.

The second sub ink stroke 740 can be created by making another copy ofthe ink stroke data from the ink stroke 705. An ink divot 755 can begenerated as a copy of the eraser segment 727 of the eraser stroke 710that intersects the ink stroke 705 at location 722.

For the second sub ink stroke 740, a coordinate point 765 can beassigned to a location on the other side of the intersected location722. As previously discussed, the coordinate point 765 can be a single(x,y) coordinate assigned to any location within the desired section'sgeometry to differentiate the desired area from any others. In thiscase, the coordinate point 765 is assigned to the right side of the inkstroke 705.

In this case, each sub ink stroke (e.g., the first sub ink stroke 735and the second sub ink stroke 740) has the same set of ink points andthe same ink divot, but each sub ink stroke has a different (x, y)coordinate (coordinate point) differentiating them.

In this case, since ink stroke 705 has only one ink segment (e.g., inksegment 720), each sub ink stroke includes only that ink segment. Thefirst sub ink stroke 735 represents the ink segment 720 of the inkstroke 705 from one side of the intersection location 722 and the secondsub ink stroke 740 represents the ink segment 720 of the ink stroke 705from the other side of the intersection location 722. The drawing hasbeen simplified to show an ink stroke with a single ink segment. Itshould be understood that the ink stroke may be made of many ink pointsand corresponding ink segments, and that the ink points and ink segmentsof the portion of the ink stroke at the side of the erasing intersectionwould be stored as part of the sub ink stroke.

At the time of rendering the ink stroke, a geometry mask is generatedthat excludes all portions of the ink segment 720 except the onecontaining the coordinate point. Similarly, at hit-testing time, thegenerated ink stroke geometry includes only the ink segment portioncontaining the coordinate point.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser strokeintersecting an ink stroke lengthwise. In this example, using a UI of acontent application, a user may first draw an ink stroke 805 and thendraw an eraser stroke 810 that goes through the ink stroke 805lengthwise, as shown in FIG. 8A. The ink stroke 805 includes a pluralityof ink points with adjacent ink points connected by corresponding inksegments. Referring to FIG. 8A, three ink points 815 (e.g., ink point815A, ink point 815B, and ink point 815C) and two ink segments 820(e.g., ink segment 820A and ink segment 820B) are shown. The ink strokemay be a longer or shorter ink stroke and include more or fewer inkpoints and ink segments.

In the example scenario, the ink stroke 805 is intersected by the eraserstroke 810 lengthwise through the ink stroke 805 at location 822. Theeraser stroke 810 includes a plurality of eraser points with adjacenteraser points connected by corresponding eraser segments. In FIG. 8A,two eraser points 825 (e.g., eraser point 825A and eraser point 825B)and one eraser segment 827 connecting the two eraser points 825 areshown. The eraser stroke may be a longer or a shorter eraser stroke andinclude more or fewer eraser points and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, a visual representation of the inkstroke 805 and the eraser stroke 810 shown in FIG. 8A is provided inFIG. 8B. The visual representation is the representation the user maysee on the UI of the content application. In the visual representation,the ink stroke 805 may appear to be cut into two separate ink strokesections 830 (e.g., section 830A and section 830B) by the eraser stroke810. The two separate ink stroke sections 830 are each a portion of theink segments 820 that remain after the eraser stroke 810 intersects theink stroke 805 lengthwise.

Referring to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C, an internal representation of the inkstroke 805 and the eraser stroke 810 shown in FIG. 8A is provided inFIG. 8C. The internal representation may be the result of the drying andoptional splitting process. The internal representation may be createdby updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap and locationof contact between the ink stroke 805 and the eraser stroke 810, asdescribed in step 435 of FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 8A, the eraserstroke 810 intersects the ink stroke 805 lengthwise, splitting the inksegments 820 of the ink stroke 805 into two separate ink strokes.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 8C, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 805 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 805, two sub ink strokes (e.g., a first sub inkstroke 835 and a second sub ink stroke 840) are created and each aredecorated with an ink divot. The first sub ink stroke 835 can be createdby making a copy of the ink stroke data from the ink stroke 805. An inkdivot 850 can be generated as a copy of the eraser segment 827 of theeraser stroke 810 that intersects the ink stroke 805.

In this scenario, an additional piece of data is required when creatingthe two sub ink strokes. The additional piece of data is needed when anerase stroke splits an ink stroke in such a way that after removingunneeded ink stroke segments and areas covered by ink divots there arestill some remaining disconnected areas (which are not part of the givensub ink stroke). To differentiate the desired area from any others, theaforementioned single (x, y) coordinate within the correct area'sgeometry is recorded.

For the first sub ink stroke 835, a coordinate point 860 can be assignedto a location on one side of the intersected location 822. As previouslydiscussed, the coordinate point 860 can be a single (x,y) coordinateassigned to any location within the desired section's geometry todifferentiate the desired area from any others. In this case, thecoordinate point 860 is assigned to the top half of the ink stroke 805.

The second sub ink stroke 840 can be created by making another copy ofthe ink stroke data from the ink stroke 805. An ink divot 855 can begenerated as a copy of the eraser segment 827 of the eraser stroke 810that intersects the ink stroke 805.

For the second sub ink stroke 840, a coordinate point 865 can beassigned to a location on the other side of the intersected location822. As previously discussed, the coordinate point 865 can be a single(x,y) coordinate assigned to any location within the desired section'sgeometry to differentiate the desired area from any others. In thiscase, the coordinate point 865 is assigned to the bottom half of the inkstroke 805.

In this case, each sub ink stroke (e.g., the first sub ink stroke 835and the second sub ink stroke 840) is a copy of the whole ink stroke805. Therefore, each sub stroke has the same set of ink points and thesame ink divot, but each sub ink stroke has a different (x, y)coordinate (coordinate point) differentiating them. The drawing has beensimplified to show an ink stroke with two ink segments. It should beunderstood that the ink stroke may be made of many ink points andcorresponding ink segments, and that the ink points and ink segments ofthe portion of the ink stroke at the side of the erasing intersectionwould be stored as part of the sub ink stroke.

The first sub ink stroke 835 represents the ink stroke 805 from one sideof the intersection location and the second sub ink stroke 840represents the ink stroke 805 from the other side of the intersectionlocation. At the time of rendering the ink stroke, a geometry mask isgenerated that excludes all portions of the ink segments 820 except theone containing the coordinate point. Similarly, at hit-testing time, thegenerated ink stroke geometry includes only the ink segment portioncontaining the coordinate point.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an example scenario of an eraser strokeoverlapping an ink stroke. In this example, using a UI of a contentapplication, a user may first draw an ink stroke 905 and then draw aneraser stroke 910 that overlaps the ink stroke 905, but does notintersect the ink stroke 905, as shown in FIG. 9A. The ink stroke 905includes a plurality of ink points with adjacent ink points connected bycorresponding ink segments. Referring to FIG. 9A, three ink points 915(e.g., ink point 915A, ink point 915B, and ink point 915C) and two inksegments 920 (e.g., ink segment 920A and ink segment 920B) are shown.The ink stroke may be a longer or shorter ink stroke and include more orfewer ink points and ink segments.

In the example scenario, the ink stroke 905 is overlapped by the eraserstroke 910, while not being intersected. The eraser stroke 910 includesa plurality of eraser points with adjacent eraser points connected bycorresponding eraser segments. In FIG. 9A, two eraser points 925 (e.g.,eraser point 925A and eraser point 925B) and one eraser segment 927connecting the two eraser points 925 are shown. The eraser stroke may bea longer or a shorter eraser stroke and include more or fewer eraserpoints and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, a visual representation of the inkstroke 905 and the eraser stroke 910 shown in FIG. 9A is provided inFIG. 9B. The visual representation is the representation the user maysee on the UI of the content application. In the visual representation,the ink stroke 905 may appear to have a portion erased by the eraserstroke 910.

Referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9C, an internal representation of the inkstroke 905 and the eraser stroke 910 shown in FIG. 9A is provided inFIG. 9B. The internal representation may be the result of the drying andoptional splitting process. The internal representation may be createdby updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap and locationof contact between the ink stroke 905 and the eraser stroke 910, asdescribed in step 435 of FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 9A, the eraserstroke 910 overlaps the ink stroke 905 without intersecting the inkstroke 905.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 9C, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 905 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 905, an ink divot 950 can be generated as a copyof the eraser segment 927 of the eraser stroke 910 that overlaps the inkstroke 905.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate an example scenario of an eraser strokeoverlapping an ink stroke at the same location of a previous eraserstroke overlap. In this example, using a UI of a content application, auser may have drawn an eraser stroke (e.g., eraser stroke 1010) thatoverlaps an ink stroke that already has an ink divot, such as ink stroke905 with ink divot 950 as described in FIG. 9C. As can be seen in FIG.10A, the eraser stroke 1010 overlaps the ink stroke 905 at the locationof the ink divot 950. While the ink divot 950 and eraser stroke 1010,independently, do not intersect the ink stroke 905, the combination ofthe ink divot 950 and the eraser stroke 1010 creates an intersection ofthe ink stroke 905, appearing to split the ink stroke 905 into twosegments.

The eraser stroke 1010 includes a plurality of eraser points withadjacent eraser points connected by corresponding eraser segments.Referring to FIG. 10A, three eraser points 1025 (e.g., eraser point1025A, eraser point 1025B, and eraser point 1025C) and two erasersegments 1027 (e.g., eraser segment 1027A and eraser segment 1027B)connecting the three eraser points 1025 are shown. The eraser stroke maybe a longer or a shorter eraser stroke and include more or fewer eraserpoints and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, a visual representation of the inkstroke 905 with the ink divot 950 and the eraser stroke 1010 shown inFIG. 10A is provided in FIG. 10B. The visual representation is therepresentation the user may see on the UI of the content application. Inthe visual representation, the ink stroke 905 with the ink divot 950 mayappear to be cut into two separate ink stroke sections 1030 (e.g.,section 1030A and section 1030B) by the eraser stroke 1010. The twoseparate ink stroke sections 1030 are each a portion of the ink stroke905 that remain after the eraser stroke 1010 and ink divot 950intersect.

Referring to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10C, an internal representation of theink stroke 905 with the ink divot 950 and the eraser stroke 1010 shownin FIG. 10A is provided in FIG. 10C. The internal representation may bethe result of the drying and optional splitting process. The internalrepresentation may be created by updating the ink stroke data based onamount of overlap and location of contact between the ink stroke 905 andthe eraser stroke 1010, as described in step 435 of FIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 10A, the eraser stroke 1010 overlaps the ink stroke 905 at thelocation of the ink divot 950, splitting the ink stroke 905 into twoseparate ink strokes.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 10C, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 905 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 905, two sub ink strokes (e.g., a first sub inkstroke 1035 and a second sub ink stroke 1040) are created and each aredecorated with one or more ink divots. The first sub ink stroke 1035 canbe created by making a copy of the ink stroke data from the ink stroke905. The copy of the ink stroke data can include a copy of the ink divot950 (e.g., ink divot 1042). Another ink divot 1050 can be generated as acopy of the eraser segment (e.g., eraser segment 1027A) of the eraserstroke 1010 that overlaps the ink stroke 905 to create the intersectionwith the ink divot 950. Since, as shown in FIG. 10A, eraser segment1027B does not contact the ink stroke 905, the eraser segment 1027B canbe discarded.

In this scenario, an additional piece of data is required when creatingthe two sub ink strokes. The additional piece of data is needed when anerase stroke splits an ink stroke in such a way that after removingunneeded ink stroke segments and areas covered by ink divots there arestill some remaining disconnected areas (which are not part of the givensub ink stroke). To differentiate the desired area from any others, theaforementioned single (x, y) coordinate within the correct area'sgeometry is recorded.

For the first sub ink stroke 1035, a coordinate point 1060 can beassigned to a location on one side of the location of the intersection.As previously discussed, the coordinate point 1060 can be a single (x,y)coordinate assigned to any location within the desired section'sgeometry to differentiate the desired area from any others. In thiscase, the coordinate point 1060 is assigned to the left side of thelocation of the intersection on the first sub ink stroke 1035.

The second sub ink stroke 1040 can be created by making another copy ofthe ink stroke data from the ink stroke 905. The copy of the ink strokedata can include a copy of the ink divot 950 (e.g., ink divot 1043).Another ink divot 1055 can be generated as a copy of the eraser segment(e.g., eraser segment 1027A) of the eraser stroke 1010 that overlaps theink stroke 905 to create the intersection with the ink divot 950. Since,as shown in FIG. 10A, eraser segment 1027B does not contact the inkstroke 905, the eraser segment 1027B can be discarded.

For the second sub ink stroke 1040, a coordinate point 1065 can beassigned to a location on the other side of the intersected location. Aspreviously discussed, the coordinate point 1065 can be a single (x,y)coordinate assigned to any location within the desired section'sgeometry to differentiate the desired area from any others. In thiscase, the coordinate point 1065 is assigned to the right side of thelocation of the intersection on the second sub ink stroke 1040.

In this case, each sub ink stroke (e.g., the first sub ink stroke 1035and the second sub ink stroke 1040) shown in FIG. 10C is a copy of theentire ink stroke 905 shown in FIG. 10A. Therefore, each sub ink strokehas the same set of ink points and the same divots, but each sub inkstroke has a different (x, y) coordinate (coordinate point)differentiating them. The drawing has been simplified to show an inkstroke with two ink segments. It should be understood that the inkstroke may be made of many ink points and corresponding ink segments,and that the ink points and ink segments of the portion of the inkstroke at the side of the erasing intersection would be stored as partof the sub ink stroke.

The first sub ink stroke 1035 represents the ink stroke 905 from oneside of the intersection location and the second sub ink stroke 1040represents the ink stroke 905 from the other side of the intersectionlocation. At the time of rendering the ink stroke, a geometry mask isgenerated that excludes all portions of the ink stroke 905 except theone containing the coordinate point. Similarly, at hit-testing time, thegenerated ink stroke geometry includes only the ink segment portioncontaining the coordinate point.

In some cases, there may be a scenario where the system can recognizethat there are two ink divots included in the sub ink strokes (e.g., inkdivot 1042 and ink divot 1050 in the first sub ink stroke 1035 and inkdivot 1042 and ink divot 1055 in the second sub ink stroke 1040). Inthis case, the two ink divots may be replaced with a single ink divot.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser stroke creatinga ring-shaped cut out of an ink stroke. This scenario may only bepossible when the eraser stroke is substantially smaller than the inkstroke. In this example, an eraser stroke 1110 cuts out a middle portionof an ink stroke 1105, as can be seen in FIG. 11A. The ink stroke 1105includes a plurality of ink points with adjacent ink points connected bycorresponding ink segments. Referring to FIG. 1A, two ink points 1115(e.g., ink point 1115A and ink point 1115B) and one ink segment 1120 areshown. However, the ink stroke may be a longer or shorter ink stroke andinclude more or fewer ink points and ink segments. For example, FIG. 11Cshows the eraser stroke creating a ring/cut-out over four ink points ofthe ink stroke.

In the example scenario, the eraser stroke 1110 cuts out a middleportion of the ink stroke 1105 (which may remain in the hole formed bythe erased ring). The eraser stroke 1110 includes a plurality of eraserpoints; adjacent eraser points are connected by corresponding erasersegments. In FIG. 11A, five eraser points 1125 (e.g., eraser point1125A, eraser point 1125B, eraser point 1125C, eraser point 1125D, anderaser point 1125E) and four eraser segments 1127 (e.g., eraser segment1127A, eraser segment 1127B, eraser segment 1127C, and eraser segment1127D) connecting the five eraser points 1125 are shown. The eraserstroke may be a longer or a shorter eraser stroke and include more orfewer eraser points and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, an internal representation of theink stroke 1105 and the eraser stroke 1110 shown in FIG. 11A is providedin FIG. 11B. The internal representation may be the result of the dryingand optional splitting process. The internal representation may becreated by updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap andlocation of contact between the ink stroke 1105 and the eraser stroke1110, as described in step 435 of FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 11A,the eraser stroke 1110 forms a ring around a middle portion of the inkstroke 1105, creating two separate portions of the ink stroke 1105 (aninner and an outer portion).

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 11B, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 1105 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 1105, two sub ink strokes (e.g., a first sub inkstroke 1135 and a second sub ink stroke 1140) are created and each aredecorated with an ink divot. The first sub ink stroke 1135 can becreated by making a copy of the ink stroke data from the ink stroke1105. Since every eraser segment in the eraser stroke 1110 contacts theink stroke 1105, an ink divot 1150 can be generated as a copy of theeraser stroke 1110.

In this scenario, an additional piece of data is required when creatingthe two sub ink strokes. The additional piece of data is needed when anerase stroke splits an ink stroke in such a way that after removingunneeded ink stroke segments and areas covered by ink divots there arestill some remaining disconnected areas (which are not part of the givensub ink stroke). To differentiate the desired area from any others, theaforementioned single (x, y) coordinate within the correct area'sgeometry is recorded.

For the first sub ink stroke 1135, a coordinate point 1160 can beassigned to a location at the outer portion of the ink stroke 1105around the ring formed by the eraser stroke 1110. As previouslydiscussed, the coordinate point 1160 can be a single (x,y) coordinateassigned to any location within the desired section's geometry todifferentiate the desired area from any others. In this case, thecoordinate point 1160 is assigned to the portion of the ink stroke 1105outside of the ring formed of the eraser stroke 1110.

The second sub ink stroke 1140 can be created by making another copy ofthe ink stroke data from the ink stroke 1105. Since every eraser segmentin the eraser stroke 1110 contacts the ink stroke 1105, an ink divot1155 can be generated as a copy of the eraser segment 1127 of the eraserstroke 1110.

For the second sub ink stroke 1140, a coordinate point 1165 can beassigned to a location on the inner portion of the ink stroke 1105within the ring formed by the eraser stroke 1110. As previouslydiscussed, the coordinate point 1165 can be a single (x,y) coordinateassigned to any location within the desired section's geometry todifferentiate the desired area from any others. In this case, thecoordinate point 1165 is assigned to inside the middle portion of theink stroke 1105 cut out by the eraser stroke 1110.

In this case, each sub ink stroke (e.g., the first sub ink stroke 1135and the second sub ink stroke 1140) is a copy of the whole ink stroke1105. Therefore, each sub stroke has the same set of ink points and thesame divot, but each sub ink stroke has a different (x, y) coordinate(coordinate point) differentiating them. The drawing has been simplifiedto show an ink stroke with one ink segment. It should be understood thatthe ink stroke may be made of many ink points and corresponding inksegments, and that the ink points and ink segments of the portion of theink stroke at the side of the erasing intersection would be stored aspart of the sub ink stroke.

The first sub ink stroke 1135 represents the ink stroke 1105 from oneside of the intersection location (e.g., the outer side) and the secondsub ink stroke 1140 represents the ink stroke 1105 from the other sideof the intersection location (e.g., the inner side). At the time ofrendering the ink stroke, a geometry mask is generated that excludes allportions of the ink segment 1120 except the one containing thecoordinate point. Similarly, at hit-testing time, the generated inkstroke geometry includes only the ink segment portion containing thecoordinate point.

Referring to FIG. 11C, another representation of the ink stroke 1105 andthe eraser stroke 1110 is provided, showing the shape of the “donut” cutout of the ink stroke. Here, the inner portion of the ink stroke 1170Bformed by the eraser stroke 1110 is shown separate from the outerportion of the ink stroke 1170A.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an example scenario of an eraser stroke fullycovering one or more ink segments of an ink stroke. In this example,using a UI of a content application, a user may first draw an ink stroke1205 and then draw an eraser stroke 1210 that fully covers a number ofink segments of the ink stroke 1205, as shown in FIG. 12A. The inkstroke 1205 includes a plurality of ink points with adjacent ink pointsconnected by corresponding ink segments. Referring to FIG. 12A, four inkpoints 1215 (e.g., ink point 1215A, ink point 1215B, ink point 1215C,and ink point 1215D) and three ink segments 1220 (e.g., ink segment1220A, ink segment 1220B, and ink segment 1220C) are shown. The inkstroke may be a longer or shorter ink stroke and include more or fewerink points and ink segments.

In the example scenario, the eraser stroke 1210 fully covers an inksegment of the ink stroke 1205. The eraser stroke 1210 includes aplurality of eraser points with adjacent eraser points connected bycorresponding eraser segments. In FIG. 12A, two eraser points 1225(e.g., eraser point 1225A and eraser point 1225B) and one eraser segment1227 connecting the two eraser points 1225 are shown. The eraser strokemay be a longer or a shorter eraser stroke and include more or fewereraser points and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, a visual representation of the inkstroke 1205 and the eraser stroke 1210 shown in FIG. 12A is provided inFIG. 12B. The visual representation is the representation the user maysee on the UI of the content application. In the visual representation,the ink stroke 1205 may appear to have a portion erased by the eraserstroke 1210.

Referring to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12C, an internal representation of theink stroke 1205 and the eraser stroke 1210 shown in FIG. 12A is providedin FIG. 12C. The internal representation may be the result of the dryingand optional splitting process. The internal representation may becreated by updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap andlocation of contact between the ink stroke 1205 and the eraser stroke1210, as described in step 435 of FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 12A,the eraser stroke 1210 fully covers an ink segment (e.g., ink segment1220A) of the ink stroke 1205.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 12C, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 1205 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 1205, a sub ink stroke (e.g., sub ink stroke1235) is created and decorated with an ink divot. The sub ink stroke1235 represents the portion of the ink stroke 1205 not fully covered bythe eraser stroke 1210. In this case, the sub ink stroke 1235 representsink segment 1220B and ink segment 1220C of the ink stroke 1205. Thedrawing has been simplified to show an ink stroke with three inksegments. It should be understood that the ink stroke may be made ofmany ink points and corresponding ink segments, and that the ink pointsand ink segments of the portion of the ink stroke at the side of theerasing contact would be stored as part of the sub ink stroke.

40 The sub ink stroke 1235 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 1205 from one side of the erasing contact.The copy of the ink stroke data includes the required ink points (e.g.,ink point 1215B, ink point 1215C, and ink point 1215D) of the ink stroke1205. An ink divot 1250 can be generated as a copy of the eraser segment1227 of the eraser stroke 1210 that fully covers the ink segment of theink stroke 1205.

In some cases, if the unioned geometry of the eraser strokes and inkdivots fully covers the geometry of an ink stroke, the ink stroke isconsidered to be completely erased. The ink stroke and any sub inkstrokes may be deleted.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate example scenarios of an eraser stroke splittingan ink stroke into a plurality of sub ink strokes. In this example,using a UI of a content application, a user may first draw an ink stroke1305 and then draw an eraser stroke 1310 that intersects the ink stroke1305 at more than one location, as shown in FIG. 13A. The ink stroke1305 includes a plurality of ink points with adjacent ink pointsconnected by corresponding ink segments. Referring to FIG. 13A, four inkpoints 1315 (e.g., ink point 1315A, ink point 1315B, ink point 1315C,and ink point 1315D) and three ink segments 1320 (ink segment 1320A, inksegment 1320B, and ink segment 1320C) are shown. The ink stroke may be alonger or shorter ink stroke and include more or fewer ink points andink segments.

In the example scenario, the ink stroke 1305 is intersected by theeraser stroke 1310 in two locations. The eraser stroke 1310 firstintersects the ink stroke 1305 at ink point 1315B and then again at inkpoint 1315C. The eraser stroke 1310 includes a plurality of eraserpoints with adjacent eraser points connected by corresponding erasersegments. In FIG. 13A, three eraser points 1325 (e.g., eraser point1325A, eraser point 1325B, and eraser point 1325C) and two erasersegments 1327 (e.g., eraser segment 1327A and eraser segment 1327B)connecting the three eraser points 1325 are shown. The eraser stroke maybe a longer or a shorter eraser stroke and include more or fewer eraserpoints and eraser segments.

Referring to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, a visual representation of the inkstroke 1305 and the eraser stroke 1310 shown in FIG. 13A is provided inFIG. 13B. The visual representation is the representation the user maysee on the UI of the content application. In the visual representation,the ink stroke 1305 may appear to be cut into three separate ink strokesections (e.g., section 1330A, section 1330B, and section 1330C) by theeraser stroke 1310.

Referring to FIG. 13A FIG. 13C, an internal representation of the inkstroke 1305 and the eraser stroke 1310 shown in FIG. 13A is provided inFIG. 13C. The internal representation may be the result of the dryingand optional splitting process. The internal representation may becreated by updating the ink stroke data based on amount of overlap andlocation of contact between the ink stroke 1305 and the eraser stroke1310, as described in step 435 of FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 13A,the eraser stroke 1310 intersects the ink stroke 1305 at two locations,splitting the ink stroke 1305 into three separate ink strokes.

To create the internal representation provided in FIG. 13C, the inkstroke data for the ink stroke 1305 is updated. To update the ink strokedata for the ink stroke 1305, three sub ink strokes (e.g., a first subink stroke 1335, a second sub ink stroke 1340, and a third sub inkstroke 1345) are created and each decorated with one or more ink divots.The first sub ink stroke 1335 represents the ink stroke 1305 from oneend of the ink stroke to the first intersection; the second sub inkstroke 1340 represents the ink stroke 1305 between the twointersections; and the third sub ink stroke 1345 represents the inkstroke 1305 from the second intersection to the other end of the inkstroke 1305. In this case, the first sub ink stroke 1335 represents theink segment 1320A of the ink stroke 1305, the second sub ink stroke 1340represents the ink segment 1320B of the ink stroke 1305, and the thirdsub ink stroke 1345 represents the ink segment 1320C of the ink stroke1305. The drawing has been simplified to show an ink stroke with threeink segments. It should be understood that the ink stroke may be made ofmany ink points and corresponding ink segments, and that the ink pointsand ink segments of the portion of the ink stroke at the side of anerasing intersection would be stored as part of the sub ink stroke.

The first sub ink stroke 1335 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 1305 from one end of the ink stroke 1305to the first intersection. The copy of the ink stroke data includes acopy of the required ink points (e.g., ink point 1315A and ink point1315B) of the ink stroke 1305. An ink divot 1350 is generated as a copyof the eraser segment 1327A of the eraser stroke 1310 that intersectsthe ink stroke 1305 at the first intersection.

The second sub ink stroke 1340 can be created by making a copy of theink stroke data of the ink stroke 1305 from between the twointersections. The copy of the ink stroke data includes a copy of therequired ink points (e.g., ink point 1315B and ink point 1315C) of theink stroke 1305. An ink divot 1355 is generated as a copy of the erasersegment 1327A and the eraser segment 1327B of the eraser stroke 1310.Eraser segment 1327A and eraser segment 1327B are the eraser segmentsthat intersect the ink stroke 1305 at the two intersection points. Sinceeraser segment 1327A and eraser segment 1327B are adjacent erasersegments, only one ink divot is created.

In this scenario, an additional piece of data is used when creating thesecond sub ink stroke 1340. The additional piece of data is needed whenan erase stroke splits an ink stroke in such a way that after removingunneeded ink stroke segments and areas covered by ink divots there arestill some remaining disconnected areas (which are not part of the givensub ink stroke). To differentiate the desired area from any others, theaforementioned single (x, y) coordinate within the correct area'sgeometry is recorded.

For the second sub ink stroke 1340, a coordinate point 1365 can beassigned to a location between the two intersections. As previouslydiscussed, the coordinate point 1365 can be a single (x,y) coordinateassigned to any location within the desired section's geometry todifferentiate the desired area from any others. In this case, thecoordinate point 1365 is assigned to the location between the twointersections on the ink stroke 1305 to differentiate the desired middleportion of the second sub ink stroke 1340 (e.g., the portion between thetwo intersections) from the two end portions of the second sub inkstroke 1340.

The third sub ink stroke 1345 can be created by making a copy of the inkstroke data of the ink stroke 1305 from the second intersection to theother end of the ink stroke 1305. The copy of the ink stroke dataincludes a copy of the required ink points (e.g., ink point 1315C andink point 1315D) of the ink stroke 1305. An ink divot 1360 is generatedas a copy of the eraser segment 1327B of the eraser stroke 1310 thatintersects the ink stroke 1305 at the second intersection.

The first sub ink stroke 1335, the second sub ink stroke 1340, and thethird sub ink stroke 1345 can be rendered independently.

FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate example scenarios of enhanced digital inkerasing carried out at a content curation application. A user may open acanvas interface 1405 of a content creation application 1400 on theircomputing device (embodied, for example, as system 1500 described withrespect to FIG. 15). The computing device can be any computing devicesuch as, but not limited to, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, atablet, a personal digital assistant, a smart phone, a smart television,a gaming console, wearable device, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 14A, the user may input inked content 1410 onto thecanvas interface 1405 of the content creation application 1400 withoutthe need for a keyboard. The inked content 1410 may include inked wordsor inked drawings. In this case, the inked content 1410 may includehandwritten words “Writing Ink”, along with an inked line underneath thehandwritten words.

Referring to FIG. 14B, while the inked content 1410 is still shown onthe canvas interface 1405 of the content creation application 1400, theuser may decide they would like to erase part of the inked content 1410.In this case, the user has partially erased several portions of theinked line. Each remaining portion (e.g., portion 1415A-1415H) of theinked line becomes a separate object that can be manipulated separatefrom the rest of the portions. Each portion of the inked line is storedas a sub ink stroke.

Referring to FIG. 14C, the user can select one or more sections of theinked content 1410 to be manipulated as a separate object. In theexample of FIG. 14C, the user may have selected (1425) a portion ofinked content 1410, such as inked content 1430. By selecting a portionof the inked content 1410, the inked content 1430 can become anindependently modifiable object.

In some cases, only an ink stroke that has been fully selected may beincluded in the selected content. For example, the user has selected aportion of segment 1415E and all of segment 1415F, segment 1415G, andsegment 1415H. However, only segment 1415F, segment 1415G, and segment1415H may be included in the selected content. Therefore, the inkedcontent 1430 includes the inked word “Ink” and multiple segments of theinked line, such as segment 1415F, segment 1415G, and segment 1415H.

In some cases, a selection box, such as selection box 1427 may bedisplayed around the selected content. In some cases, only an ink strokethat has been fully selected may be included in the selected content.For example, the user has selected a portion of segment 1415E and all ofsegment 1415F, segment 1415G, and segment 1415H. However, only segment1415F, segment 1415G, and segment 1415H may be included in the selectedcontent.

The selection (1425) action may be any suitable input such as touch,encircle, and the like. Although a finger is illustrated as the inkinginput tool, a pen or stylus or other object may be used. Othermechanisms for initiating the command to manipulate the inked contentmay be used as well.

Referring to FIG. 14D, when the user selects (1425) the inked content1430 (as shown in FIG. 14C), the user can manipulate the inked content1430 as a separate object, while preserving the complex shapes that canresult from partial erasure of ink strokes.

In the example of FIG. 14D, the user can move the inked content 1430 toanother location of the canvas interface 1405, while the remainingportion (inked content 1440) of the inked content 1410 shown in FIGS.14A and 14B stays in its original location. In some cases, the inkedcontent 1430 may be further modified by the user. For example, the usermay change the size or color of the inked content 1430.

Referring to FIG. 14E, the user can select the remaining portion (inkedcontent 1440) of the inked content 1410 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B to bemanipulated as a separate object. In the example of FIG. 14E, aselection box 1445 may be displayed around the selected content (inkedcontent 1440). The inked content 1440 includes the inked word “Writing”and multiple segments of the inked line, such as segment 1415A, segment1415B, and segment 1415C, segment 1415D, and segment 1415D. By selectinga portion of the inked content 1410 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, theinked content 1430 can become an independently modifiable object.

In some cases, a toolbar, such as toolbar 1450 may be displayed on thecanvas interface 1405 when a selection is made. The toolbar 1450 mayinclude a variety of commands to manipulate the selected content. In theexample of FIG. 14E, the user may select (1455) a command (e.g., command1460) to display the selected content (e.g., inked content 1440) on asticky note.

Referring to FIG. 14F, the selected ink content (e.g., inked content1440) as shown in FIG. 14E, is displayed on a sticky note 1470. Thesticky note 1470 may then be manipulated within the canvas interface1405. In the example of 14F, the sticky note 1470 containing inkedcontent 1440 was moved to another location on the canvas interface 1405,as well as sized down. In some cases, the sticky note 1470 and the inkedcontent 1440 may be further modified by the user. For example, the usermay change the color of the inked content 1440.

When the user selects the inked content 1440, the user can manipulatethe inked content 1440 as a separate object, while preserving thecomplex shapes that can result from partial erasure of ink strokes.

FIG. 15 illustrates components of a computing system or device that maybe used in certain embodiments described herein. Referring to FIG. 15,system 1500 represents a computing device such as, but not limited to, apersonal computer, a reader, a mobile device, a personal digitalassistant, a wearable computer, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptopcomputer (notebook or netbook), a gaming device or console, anentertainment device, a hybrid computer, a desktop computer, or a smarttelevision. Accordingly, more or fewer elements described with respectto system 1500 may be incorporated to implement a particular computingdevice.

System 1500 includes a processing system 1505 of one or more processorsto transform or manipulate data according to the instructions ofsoftware 1510 stored on a storage system 1515. Examples of processors ofthe processing system 1505 include general purpose central processingunits, application specific processors, and logic devices, as well asany other type of processing device, combinations, or variationsthereof. The processing system 1505 may be, or is included in, asystem-on-chip (SoC) along with one or more other components such asnetwork connectivity components, sensors, video display components.

The software 1510 can include an operating system and applicationprograms such as a content application 1520. Device operating systemsgenerally control and coordinate the functions of the various componentsin the computing device, providing an easier way for applications toconnect with lower level interfaces like the networking interface.Non-limiting examples of operating systems include Windows® fromMicrosoft Corp., Apple® iOS™ from Apple, Inc., Android® OS from Google,Inc., and the Ubuntu variety of the Linux OS from Canonical.

It should be noted that the operating system may be implemented bothnatively on the computing device and on software virtualization layersrunning atop the native device operating system (OS). Virtualized OSlayers, while not depicted in FIG. 15, can be thought of as additional,nested groupings within the operating system space, each containing anOS, application programs, and APIs.

Storage system 1515 may comprise any computer readable storage mediareadable by the processing system 1505 and capable of storing software1510 including the content application 1520.

Storage system 1515 may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Examples of storage media of storagesystem 1515 include random access memory, read only memory, magneticdisks, optical disks, CDs, DVDs, flash memory, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other suitable storage media. In no case is the storage medium atransitory, propagated signal.

Storage system 1515 may be implemented as a single storage device butmay also be implemented across multiple storage devices or sub-systemsco-located or distributed relative to each other. Storage system 1515may include additional elements, such as a controller, capable ofcommunicating with processing system 1505. Storage system 1515 mayinclude multiple buffers, such as buffer 1525.

Software 1510 may be implemented in program instructions and among otherfunctions may, when executed by system 1500 in general or processingsystem 1505 in particular, direct system 1500 or the one or moreprocessors of processing system 1505 to operate as described herein.

In general, software may, when loaded into processing system 1505 andexecuted, transform computing system 1500 overall from a general-purposecomputing system into a special-purpose computing system customized toenhance ink erasing as described herein. Indeed, encoding software onstorage system 1515 may transform the physical structure of storagesystem 1515. The specific transformation of the physical structure maydepend on various factors in different implementations of thisdescription. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limitedto the technology used to implement the storage media of storage system1515 and whether the computer-storage media are characterized as primaryor secondary storage.

The system can further include user interface system 1530, which mayinclude input/output (I/O) devices and components that enablecommunication between a user and the system 1500. User interface system1530 can include input devices such as a mouse, track pad, keyboard, atouch device for receiving a touch gesture from a user, a motion inputdevice for detecting non-touch gestures and other motions by a user, amicrophone for detecting speech, and other types of input devices andtheir associated processing elements capable of receiving user input.For inclusion of the described enhanced erasing feature, the userinterface system 1530 at least includes a touch-based user inputinterface or a digitizing pen used in place of or as part of thetouch-based user input interface. A touch-based user input interface caninclude a touchscreen and/or surface with sensing components for adigitizer.

The user interface system 1530 may also include output devices such asdisplay screen(s), speakers, haptic devices for tactile feedback, andother types of output devices. In certain cases, the input and outputdevices may be combined in a single device, such as a touchscreendisplay which both depicts images and receives touch gesture input fromthe user.

Visual output may be depicted on the display in myriad ways, presentinggraphical user interface elements, text, images, video, notifications,virtual buttons, virtual keyboards, or any other type of informationcapable of being depicted in visual form.

The user interface system 1530 may also include user interface softwareand associated software (e.g., for graphics chips and input devices)executed by the OS in support of the various user input and outputdevices. The associated software assists the OS in communicating userinterface hardware events to application programs using definedmechanisms. The user interface system 1530 including user interfacesoftware may support a graphical user interface, a natural userinterface, or any other type of user interface. For example, theinterfaces for the enhanced ink erasing described herein may bepresented through user interface system 1530.

Communications interface 1540 may include communications connections anddevices that allow for communication with other computing systems overone or more communication networks (not shown). Examples of connectionsand devices that together allow for inter-system communication mayinclude network interface cards, antennas, power amplifiers, RFcircuitry, transceivers, and other communication circuitry. Theconnections and devices may communicate over communication media (suchas metal, glass, air, or any other suitable communication media) toexchange communications with other computing systems or networks ofsystems. Transmissions to and from the communications interface arecontrolled by the OS, which informs applications of communicationsevents when necessary.

Computing system 1500 is generally intended to represent a computingsystem with which software is deployed and executed in order toimplement an application, component, or service as described herein. Insome cases, aspects of computing system 1500 may also represent acomputing system on which software may be staged and from where softwaremay be distributed, transported, downloaded, or otherwise provided toyet another computing system for deployment and execution, or yetadditional distribution.

Embodiments may be implemented as a computer process, a computingsystem, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer programproduct or computer-readable storage medium. Certain methods andprocesses described herein can be embodied as software, code and/ordata, which may be stored on one or more storage media. Certainembodiments of the invention contemplate the use of a machine in theform of a computer system within which a set of instructions, whenexecuted, can cause the system to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. Certain computer program products may beone or more computer-readable storage media readable by a computersystem and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing acomputer process.

By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage mediamay include volatile and non-volatile memory, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer-readable storagemedia include volatile memory such as random access memories (RAM, DRAM,SRAM); non-volatile memory such as flash memory, variousread-only-memories (ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM), phase change memory,magnetic and ferromagnetic/ferroelectric memories (MRAM, FeRAM), andmagnetic and optical storage devices (hard drives, magnetic tape, CDs,DVDs). As used herein, in no case does the term “storage media” consistof transitory propagating signals.

It should be understood that the examples described herein are forillustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes inlight thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are tobe included within the spirit and purview of this application.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subjectmatter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to thespecific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific featuresand acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing theclaims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims subject to any explicit definitions anddisclaimers regarding terminology as provided above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving ink stroke data ofan ink stroke, wherein the ink stroke data comprises a set of inkpoints, and wherein two adjacent ink points of the set of ink points areconnected by a corresponding ink segment; displaying the ink stroke at aclient device; receiving an eraser stroke that intersects the ink strokeat one or more locations resulting in remaining portions of the inkstroke appearing as separate ink strokes, the eraser stroke havingeraser stroke data, wherein the eraser stroke data comprises a set oferaser points, and wherein two adjacent eraser points are connected byan eraser segment; displaying the eraser stroke at the client device;updating the ink stroke data based on the one or more locations ofintersection by storing each of the remaining portions of the ink strokeas an independently modifiable sub ink stroke, wherein each of theremaining portions of the ink stroke can be separately manipulated;displaying the updated ink stroke with a portion of the ink strokeremoved at each of the one or more locations of intersection at theclient device; receiving a selection of one or more of the remainingportions of the ink stroke, wherein at least one remaining portionremains unselected; receiving a request to send the selected one or moreof the remaining portions of the ink stroke to a sticky note; anddisplaying the selected one or more of the remaining portions of the inkstroke on the sticky note at the client device.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising: surfacing a toolbar comprising commands tomanipulate selected content, wherein one of the commands to manipulateselected content is a sticky note command, the sticky note command beinga command to send selected content to a sticky note.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving a request to manipulate thesticky note; and in response to receiving the request to manipulate thesticky note, manipulating the sticky note and the selected one or moreof the remaining portions of the ink stroke displayed on the stickynote.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the request to manipulate thesticky note is a request to move the sticky note to a differentlocation, wherein the manipulating of the sticky note and the selectedone or more of the remaining portions of the ink stroke displayed on thesticky note comprises moving the sticky note and the selected one ormore of the remaining portions of the ink stroke displayed on the stickynote to the different location.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein therequest to manipulate the sticky note is a request to resize the stickynote, wherein the manipulating of the sticky note and the selected oneor more of the remaining portions of the ink stroke displayed on thesticky note comprises resizing the sticky note and the selected one ormore of the remaining portions of the ink stroke displayed on the stickynote.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving aselection of at least one of the remaining portions, the at least one ofthe remaining portions being the unselected at least one remainingportion; receiving a request to manipulate the selected at least one ofthe remaining portions; and in response to receiving the request tomanipulate the selected at least one of the remaining portions,manipulating the selected at least one of the remaining portions.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the request to manipulate the selected atleast one of the remaining portions comprises a request to move theselected at least one of the remaining portions to a different location,wherein the manipulating of the selected at least one of the remainingportions comprises moving the selected at least one of the remainingportions to the different location with any other of the remainingportions remaining at a current location.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the request to manipulate the selected at least one of theremaining portions comprises a request to change a color of the selectedat least one of the remaining portions to a different color, wherein themanipulating of the selected at least one of the remaining portionscomprises changing the color the selected at least one of the remainingportions to the different color.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein theeraser stroke has transparent color.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinthe selected one or more of the remaining portions of the ink strokecomprises fully selected remaining portions, wherein the unselected atleast one remaining portion comprises any partially selected remainingportions.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: surfacing aselection box around the selected one or more of the remaining portionsof the ink stroke.
 12. An apparatus comprising: one or more computerreadable storage media; a processing system; and program instructionsstored on at least one of the one or more computer readable media that,when executed by the processing system, direct the processing system to:receive ink stroke data of an ink stroke, wherein the ink stroke datacomprises a set of ink points, and wherein two adjacent ink points ofthe set of ink points are connected by a corresponding ink segment;display the ink stroke; receive an eraser stroke that intersects the inkstroke at one or more locations resulting in remaining portions of theink stroke appearing as separate ink strokes, the eraser stroke havingeraser stroke data, wherein the eraser stroke data comprises a set oferaser points, and wherein two adjacent eraser points are connected byan eraser segment; display the eraser stroke; update the ink stroke databased on the one or more locations of intersection by storing each ofthe remaining portions of the ink stroke as an independently modifiablesub ink stroke, wherein each of the remaining portions of the ink strokecan be separately manipulated; display the updated ink stroke with aportion of the ink stroke removed at each of the one or more locationsof intersection; receive a selection of one or more of the remainingportions of the ink stroke, wherein at least one remaining portionremains unselected; receive a request to send the selected one or moreof the remaining portions of the ink stroke to a sticky note; anddisplay the selected one or more of the remaining portions of the inkstroke on the sticky note.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein theprogram instructions further direct the processing system to: surface atoolbar comprising commands to manipulate selected content, wherein oneof the commands to manipulate selected content is a sticky note command,the sticky note command being a command to send selected content to asticky note.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the programinstructions further direct the processing system to: receive a requestto manipulate the sticky note; and in response to receiving the requestto manipulate the sticky note, manipulate the sticky note and theselected one or more of the remaining portions of the ink strokedisplayed on the sticky note.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein theprogram instructions further direct the processing system to: receive aselection of at least one of the remaining portions, the at least one ofthe remaining portions being the unselected at least one remainingportion; receive a request to manipulate the selected at least one ofthe remaining portions; and in response to receiving the request tomanipulate the selected at least one of the remaining portions,manipulate the selected at least one of the remaining portions.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the eraser stroke has transparent color.17. A computer readable storage medium having instructions storedthereon that, when executed by a processing system, direct theprocessing system to: receive ink stroke data of an ink stroke, whereinthe ink stroke data comprises a set of ink points, and wherein twoadjacent ink points of the set of ink points are connected by acorresponding ink segment; display the ink stroke; receive an eraserstroke that intersects the ink stroke at one or more locations resultingin remaining portions of the ink stroke appearing as separate inkstrokes, the eraser stroke having eraser stroke data, wherein the eraserstroke data comprises a set of eraser points, and wherein two adjacenteraser points are connected by an eraser segment; display the eraserstroke; update the ink stroke data based on the one or more locations ofintersection by storing each of the remaining portions of the ink strokeas an independently modifiable sub ink stroke, wherein each of theremaining portions of the ink stroke can be separately manipulated;display the updated ink stroke with a portion of the ink stroke removedat each of the one or more locations of intersection; receive aselection of one or more of the remaining portions of the ink stroke,wherein at least one remaining portion remains unselected; receive arequest to send the selected one or more of the remaining portions ofthe ink stroke to a sticky note; and display the selected one or more ofthe remaining portions of the ink stroke on the sticky note.
 18. Themedium of claim 17, wherein the instructions further direct theprocessing system to: surface a toolbar comprising commands tomanipulate selected content, wherein one of the commands to manipulateselected content is a sticky note command, the sticky note command beinga command to send selected content to a sticky note.
 19. The medium ofclaim 17, wherein the instructions further direct the processing systemto: receive a request to manipulate the sticky note; and in response toreceiving the request to manipulate the sticky note, manipulate thesticky note and the selected one or more of the remaining portions ofthe ink stroke displayed on the sticky note.
 20. The medium of claim 17,wherein the instructions further direct the processing system to:receive a selection of at least one of the remaining portions, the atleast one of the remaining portions being the unselected at least oneremaining portion; receive a request to manipulate the selected at leastone of the remaining portions; and in response to receiving the requestto manipulate the selected at least one of the remaining portions,manipulate the selected at least one of the remaining portions.